marché noir
Grammar & Usage
How it works
A masculine compound noun composed of the noun 'marché' (market) followed by the postpositive qualifying adjective 'noir' (black). It typically takes masculine determiners ('le marché noir') and forms its plural by adding an 's' to both components ('les marchés noirs'). It is frequently introduced with the prepositional contraction 'au' to indicate buying, selling, or operating within illicit trade networks.
Sample sentences
Pendant la pénurie, beaucoup de gens se tournaient vers le marché noir pour se procurer de la nourriture.
During the shortage, many people turned to the black market to obtain food.
Il a réussi à obtenir des billets de concert au marché noir à un prix exorbitant.
He managed to get concert tickets on the black market at an exorbitant price.
Le gouvernement renforce les contrôles pour lutter contre le marché noir des devises.
The government is strengthening controls to fight against the black market for foreign currency.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
Pendant la pénurie, beaucoup de gens se tournaient vers le marché noir pour se procurer de la nourriture.
During the shortage, many people turned to the black market to obtain food.
Il a réussi à obtenir des billets de concert au marché noir à un prix exorbitant.
He managed to get concert tickets on the black market at an exorbitant price.
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